Poll sheds light on pregnancy-related depression

A new poll has underlined the importance of spotting and supporting women with depression during pregnancy.

Antenatal depression is less well-known than postnatal depression, but research by parenting website Netmums and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has highlighted the devastating effects that the condition can have.

Researchers found that 80 per cent of women with depression in pregnancy went on to experience postnatal depression as well.

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The survey of 260 mothers who suffered from antenatal depression also revealed that one in three had suicidal thoughts.

In addition, it found that just 22 per cent of sufferers sought immediate medical help when they realised they were unwell.

Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: 'This survey shows that there is an urgent need to identify and help women with depression in pregnancy and after the birth of their baby.'

She added that if women are identified as early as possible, it may be possible to prevent them from developing much more serious mental health problems.

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